Life on Earth is made possible by the unique composition of its atmosphere. Working collaboratively, a scale model is created as young scientists learn about the different layers of gas that surround the planet. Cards are included that describe the specific region of the atmosphere that each group is responsible for adding to the model. Display the final product in your classroom as you continue teaching your students about this amazing planet we call home.

Concepts

atmospheric layers, the atmosphere

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Additional Tags

atmosphere, atmospheric layers, science

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Pros

• Cards describing the different layers of the atmosphere are provided in both English and Spanish
• Lesson is adaptable to the Next Generation Science Standards
• Learning activity clearly supports understanding of the atmosphere
• Adorable fictional reading accompaniment, Mr. Slaptail's Curious Contraption

Cons

• Requires prior understanding about the concept of scale models that isn't often taught at early elementary grades